Experiencing Cuba the Celestyal Way

Those who go on Celestyal Cruises seven-night sailings around Cuba will be getting an up close and personal look at the island, says the company’s vice-president of sales and marketing for Canada.

Christine Chiang notes Celestyal’s sailings call at Havana, Cienfuegos, Punta Frances (the Isle of Youth) and Santiago de Cuba – and also visit Montego Bay, Jamaica, with excursions provided in each destination. Two days are spent in Havana.

“It’s an immersion experience,” Chiang told a Nov. 3 Toronto gathering, adding visitors can enjoy Cuban drinks and see Cuban entertainers on the Celestyal Crystal.

Different types of food – including gluten-free and vegetarian – are available.

The vessel also offers a casino, pool, bars, lounges, spa, shops and gym. Entertainment is overseen by a former member of the Cirque du Soleil.

Rates include selected shore excursions, an unlimited drink package, seven night’s accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, port charges and gratuities, use of a fitness centre, daily entertainment program and “authentic entertainment on board with special theme nights.”

Chiang said those vacationing alone who book an interior cabin won’t have to pay a single supplement, which has “thrilled” many travellers.

Parent company Louis Cruises has now decided to offer the Cuba sailings year-round and Air Canada Vacations, Transat and Hola Sun are among those offering them.

Meanwhile, Chiang noted that Greece-based Louis Cruises also has three-, four- and seven-day Greece sailings that deliver people to different islands, something she said travellers should welcome.

“In my opinion, you have not been to Greece unless you’ve seen the smaller islands,” she said.

Pictured are Celestyal’s Chiang and Haley Chiappino.

(http://www.cuba.celestyalcruises.com, http://www.celestyalcruises.com)